Neon aims for sixth consecutive Palme d'Or win at Cannes

The 78th Cannes Film Festival, held in France, concluded with the prestigious Palme d'Or award on May 24, 2025. The indie distributor Neon was poised to potentially extend its winning streak, as the previous five winners have all been in their roster. These include acclaimed films such as 'Parasite,' 'Titane,' 'Triangle of Sadness,' 'Anatomy of a Fall,' and last year's Oscar winner, 'Anora.' Neon's position was bolstered by the presence of several high-profile contenders, including Joachim Trier's 'Sentimental Value,' Jafar Panahi's 'It Was Just an Accident,' and Kleber Mendonça Filho's 'The Secret Agent,' which are receiving significant critical acclaim and are also being distributed by Neon in the U.S. However, the outcome of the awards, determined by a nine-member jury led by Juliette Binoche, remained uncertain as the jury's deliberation process is conducted privately. Other films receiving strong support from critics included Sergei Logznitsa's period drama 'Two Prosecutors,' Richard Linklater's 'Nouvelle Vague,' and Carla Simón's 'Romeria.' This year’s festival unfolded against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions, including discussions of tariffs on foreign films proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, with many filmmakers expressing skepticism over the proposal's practicality. The festival also showcased notable American films, with Wes Anderson's film 'The Phoenician Scheme' being highlighted alongside works by Spike Lee and Christopher McQuarrie, enhancing the diversity of the cinematic offerings present at Cannes.